Ya'alon and Gantz: We'll Hit Hamas Again if We Have To

Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff declare that if Hamas resumes the rocket fire, it will be dealt an even harsher blow.

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Hezki Baruch, 28/08/14 00:12

Ya'alon and Gantz

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Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, who spoke on Wednesday at a press conference along with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, promised that if Hamas resumes the rocket fire towards Israel, it will be dealt an even harsher blow than during Operation Protective Edge.

Ya'alon said that Israel had acted "in a determined and uncompromising manner, and if we have to do it again, we will do it and deal an even heavier blow to Hamas."

“Even in difficult moments we knew we were doing the right thing - restoring peace and security to the citizens of Israel,” added the Defense Minister.

Gantz said that the IDF acted "using capabilities that were developed over the years."

"The military action supported the political action," stated Gantz. "Hamas knows it and feels it as do, unfortunately, the people of Gaza who have been taken hostage."

"We will continue to do everything possible to bring back Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul," Gantz said, referring to two soldiers who were killed during the operation and whose bodies Hamas continues to hold.

Speaking at the same press conference, Netanyahu attempted to respond to the outpouring of criticism for his unilateral decision the night before, in which he sealed a ceasefire deal with the terrorist group Hamas.

"With the establishment of the ceasefire I can say that this is a great military and diplomatic achievement," claimed Netanyahu.

Netanyahu stated "Hamas has been hit critically and didn't receive any of the demands it set."